A native of Toronto, Canada, Matthew Genovese composes in an eclectic style borrowing from Folk-Pop music, combined with an Alt-Rock aesthetic. His lyrics share a black humor/self-deprecating sensibility. He writes of the mundane and the complex, and probably doesn’t understand everything but questions what he already knows. His latest EP entitled “Chasing the Sun” captures the spirit of Paul Simon at his most folk-rockingest. Genovese is a seasoned performer, having played full band and solo acoustic shows since the age of 15. He has received a number of international songwriting awards and nominations in competitions such as ‘Top Songwriter’ in the Song of the Year Songwriting Contest, ‘Pop Song of the Year’ by the Independent Singer-Songwriter Association (ISSA), the Song Wars Songwriting Competition, and the Independent Songwriters Competition. He was also invited to perform at the 2009 and 2010 Toronto Independent Awards in the ‘Best Live Showcase Series’ where he was selected as a Finalist. His latest work entitled “Chasing the Sun” was released in 2013 and consists of 5 compelling tracks in total. Track 1, ‘If I Can’t Have You’ sets the stage well for a consistent and uplifting musical journey. With this EP, expect soul-stirring harmonies and at times hypnotic Folkish-Americana style instrumentation laced with piano, horns, accordion, mandolin, and organ. Straight away it’s clear to me that the 5 tracks are an imaginative return to humor-laced song writing fused with the better musical touches of today’s Pop, all with the eccentricity of a Singer/Songwriter. Genovese reminds me of The Dandy Warhols, Tom Waits, Jon Cale and even Eric Hutchinson to Matt Wertz. I must admit today’s music has many people feeling of bit of soullessness — how appropriate that I get an EP by an artist like Genovese that was a real shock to the system — in a good way. The album begins in hooky fashion with the magnificent ‘If I Can’t Have You’, and ‘Strange Paradise’, two brilliant exercises in self reflection laden with hooky vibes and an impressive vocal delivery from Genovese. The only surprise is that these 2 pieces are not ‘radio friendly singles’ of the highest order. ‘Time’s Tickin’ Away’ follows, and is a pleasant journey through a Pop-Folk passion play of his psyche. The harmonies beautify what could have been a dance number. ‘Nothing That I Do” could be featured on TV or Film, showcasing Genovese and his band as a moving and grooving unit, with its amazing chorus. In the end Genovese is a real breath of fresh air compared to what’s out there right now. As I mentioned earlier, ‘Chasing the Sun’ is a real shock to the everyday musical system presently in place. Of the whole album, 4 songs are in the category of brilliant, 1 is good, and none skipped through in rotation. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Genovese’s popularity continue to grow as it did in my own household during the week.
Label: Independent Artist
Release Date (2013)
Locale: Hollywood
Rating 8.5/10 Stars
Official URL: http://www.matthewgenovese.com
Clay Burton edited by Heather Savage
Review comments — heathresavage5@gmail.com
